Your firm but fair local fire chief, Jo Adams, has his eye on Opoutere and Ohui this Easter weekend. There has not been enough sustained rainfall to relieve the dry conditions in the beach reserve forest. The risk of a catastrophic fire is still very real, even though the days are getting cooler and other areas are lifting their fire bans. There is a detailed fire evacuation notice in the Waiponga Reserve carpark – take the time to read and understand it.

There will be regular beach patrols undertaken this weekend – keep your eyes peeled for the Onemana Rural Fire Force trucks as they travel through the village. Don’t hesitate to call 111 immediately if you see any fires on the beach or near the forest – then call Jo on 027 4493034. The Onemana volunteer fire fighters (all fully trained first responders) live locally and know the area well – they will be there in minutes.

Be safe and have a wonderful Easter weekend.